Athenaeum House Hotel

Overlooking Waterford City on the banks of the River Suir, Athenaeum House is a stylish boutique hotel, mixing Georgian elegance with modern chic and providing the ultimate in comfort and panache for the discerning traveller.

Dating back to the 1800s, the original Georgian House has been added to with sympathetic modern extensions, while inside the broad halls and drawing rooms of Athenaeum House are laid out with chic interiors, and contemporary designs using dark browns, deep purples, blues and golds.

Each of the bedrooms and suites at Athenaeum House has been superbly decorated, each with its own sense of style and panache. Rich colours and sumptuous furnishings add huge character, while rooms are equipped with all the essential facilities. Some suites boast four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs or relaxing Jacuzzi baths and many have views across the River Suir.

Athenaeum House also features the exclusive eatery, Zak's Restaurant. Stylishly laid out, Zak's long narrow gallery runs virtually the length of the hotel, with large French windows opening out to a balcony and gardens overlooking the river and Waterford Harbour. The mouth-watering menu at Zak's fuses traditional and contemporary cuisine, with a great emphasis on fresh local produce. A sample of mains includes Double Pork Loin Cutlet, grilled and nestled on Pancetta and Shallot Dumpling, Parsnip Puree, Caramelised Apple & Calvados Cream Sauce or Seared Monkfish set on Zucchini Ribbons, accompanied by White Carrot Mouse & Buttered Vegetables & Crustacean Oil. The extensive wine list provides the perfect compliment and on weekends a resident pianist adds tone to the whole congenial atmosphere.

Athenaeum House is well placed for touring the South East of Ireland and the historic town of Waterford, famed for its Waterford Crystal. There are also a number of golf clubs close by at Waterford Castle and Faithlegg.